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NATCHEZ — Organizers of the Natchez Balloon Festival took to the bandstand on the Bluff July 4 to announce something special for 2025 — the festival’s 40th year.

“We are bringing back Sunday entertainment for this 40th anniversary only,” said Curtis Moroney, Balloon Festival committee member.

“Sunday is really for locals, but of course we hope visitors will stay for Sunday, as well. We have great local entertainment planned for that day, and, weather permitting, the balloons will fly Sunday morning and those who are still here, will fly on Sunday afternoon, too.”

The committee also announced its Balloon Festival entertainment lineup.

On Friday, Oct. 17, The World Famous Velcro Pygmies will take the stage, starting off the festival with music guaranteed to transform festival goers back to a time when hair was big and rock ‘n’ roll was bigger.

Saturday’s entertainment is packed to the brim with artists from a number of genres.

It will feature:

• Candace Bush Band, Hattiesburg’s up-and-coming, female-fronted Rock ‘n’ Roll band. They pride themselves in bringing a dose of soulful blues infused with rock classics and originals.

• Laine Hardy, winner of season 17 of American Idol. Hardy, born in Baton Rouge, is a country singer who tempers his Louisiana roots with a smooth flair borrowed from pop.

• Vasti Jackson, a world-renowned guitarist and vocalist is considered a Mississippi living legend. As an artist, Vasti is known for sweat-drenched, soul-ripping live performances marked by some of the most stunning and innovative guitar playing today.

• Mothers Finest, a band that says it defies boundaries and creates its own genre from funk to rock ‘n’ roll. Members of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, these veterans of the music industry continue to tour year-round.

• Galactic is a powerhouse of New Orleans music, fusing funk, jazz, rock and soul into a sound they say is all its own. Galactic, together since the 1990s, is known for its high-energy shows and loyal following.

On Sunday, the lineup includes:

• The Vagabonds, fronted by Natchez’s own Maggie Brown. Seasoned performers, the band covers the likes of Led Zepplin to Bonnie Raitt along with some of its hard-driving original tunes. The Vagabonds are a local favorite.

• The B3 is a self-described Rock ‘n’ Roll Power Trio from Mississippi. Natchez’s own Bubba McCabe plays bass. Together, B3 delivers a show that lives up to its description.

• Kudzu Kings have been on a musical crusade since 1994, playing in festivals and similar venues with a diverse catalogue of original music with broad appeal. Where this band goes, good times follow.